ROCHELLE Maxius-Benn, an Industrial Hygienist at ExxonMobil Guyana, embodies how determination can open doors to unexpected opportunities.  Benn who hails from Linden, Region 10, started her career in healthcare, facing several challenges along the way.

Early in her academic journey, she faced significant personal and mental health challenges, including bouts of depression and self-doubt that led her to quit her Bachelor’s programme in Medical Technology twice before finally completing it.

“I struggled with imposter syndrome and questioned if I was good enough,” Benn admitted. Despite these setbacks, she pushed forward, earning her degree from the University of Guyana, and later a Master’s in Health Care Management. Her transition from healthcare into the oil and gas sector wasn’t planned, but a chance job ad changed everything when her husband pointed her to a vacancy for an Industrial Hygienist at ExxonMobil.

“I read the job description and couldn’t believe a job like that existed,” Benn said, admitting she’d never heard of the role before.

Despite her background in clinical laboratory science and food microbiology, she applied for the job, even though her degrees weren’t listed as part of the qualifications. “I didn’t see my degrees, but I still applied,” she said, trusting her experience to speak for itself. She was eventually hired, standing out as the best candidate for the role.

Once on the job, Benn found the transition to ExxonMobil Guyana rewarding but not without its challenges. She openly shares her struggles with imposter syndrome, especially during her early days in the role. “I questioned if I belonged at ExxonMobil if I was good enough for the job,” Benn recounted. But with time, she embraced her role, reminding herself, “ExxonMobil is multifaceted, and they focus not only on professional development but also on emotional and mental resilience.”

Benn’s work as an Industrial Hygienist involves protecting employee health by identifying and managing workplace hazards such as noise, radiation, chemicals, and biological agents. “My role is to develop safeguards through programmes, procedures, and education,” she explained. Her efforts play a key role in maintaining ExxonMobil’s strong safety performance, and her work ensures compliance with local health and safety regulations.

Benn’s story highlights the opportunities brought by the local content requirements in Guyana’s growing oil and gas sector. These regulations mandate that companies operating in the country invest in local talent and resources, creating a wealth of opportunities for Guyanese nationals. Positions that didn’t exist before are now available to locals, providing new pathways for career growth.

“I didn’t have an engineering or environmental degree, but I sold my work experience and was seen as the best candidate,” Benn said. Almost four years into the role, she continues to grow, earning several certificates in industrial hygiene, exposure assessment, and water treatment.

In addition to boosting employment, the Local Content Act also ensures that the skills and knowledge required for the industry are developed within the country. This approach helps build a sustainable workforce that can support the sector’s growth long-term. Benn’s success story is a testament to how these policies are opening doors for many Guyanese, enabling them to contribute significantly to the industry.

For those hesitant to explore roles in the oil and gas sector, Benn’s journey offers valuable insight. Her experience shows that the industry offers diverse opportunities, even for those outside of traditional fields like engineering. “It might just take a leap of faith,” Benn said, encouraging others to explore the possibilities that the expanding oil and gas industry in Guyana can offer.